DO/AC World Cup of Sand Sculpting returns this summer

If you need a better rationale than the boardwalk to visit Atlantic City this summer, how about this: visit between June 19 and July 6, and get the chance to peruse works of art by 20 world class sand sculptors — for free.

The DO/AC World Cup of Sand Sculpting, now in its second year, is a sand sculpting competition that brings together 20 internationally renowned sand sculptors, handpicked by event organizer and sand sculptor John Gowdy.

“They’re the most talented guys and girls I’ve met in my travels around the world,” Gowdy said.

Eleven countries are represented, and sculptors will compete in a solo competition (June 19-22) and in a doubles competition (June 24-27). The prize money is a record setting $75,000 (provided by the AC Alliance), spread over the 20 sculptors.

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Here’s how it works: on June 19, each sculptor receives 10 tons of imported sand, a hose, a set of forms to aid in the building process, and a tamper. The first order of business is to get the sand wet, then compact it, using the tamper — “just a stick with a metal plate at the bottom,” Gowdy explained — to pack it down.

“The trick to the whole process is compaction,” Gowdy said. “Everyone thinks we add something to these sculptures to make them stand up: It’s just sand and water.”

Using the tamper — or some sculptors prefer to use their feet — competitors stack layer upon layer, until their mound reaches about 12 feet high. At this point, the sculptors begin to carve, removing the forms, which act as scaffolding, as they go. All the forms must be removed by the end, and no power tools are allowed.

Themes vary. “There are funny sculptures, emotional sculptures, some relating to something in the artist’s past — there are so many different ways to convey the artist’s thoughts through sand, and visitors will have the chance to see 20 of the world’s best,” Gowdy said.

Sculptors have until June 22 to sculpt, then get a day off, during which visitors can still browse the sculptures. The doubles competition resumes June 24, with all the same rules, but double the amount of sand for each pair of sculptors. The awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on June 27.

Six South Jersey artists will judge the event, naming the overall winner. Visitors can also get involved by voting for their favorite sculpture in the People’s Choice class, for a dollar per vote. Lastly, a Sculptor’s Choice award will be given to the sculptor who receives the most votes from other competitors (and no, they can’t vote for themselves).

Don’t let the rain deter you from visiting: Gowdy said it doesn’t really affect the sculptures. “A complete torrential downpour will pockmark the sculptures, but it doesn’t destroy them – it doesn’t melt them,” he explained. “We had record-setting rain last June for the contest, and [the sculptures] were pristine.”

Part of that is thanks to a small amount of naturally occurring clay in the sand Gowdy uses for the competition, which acts as a binder and protects from rain and wind. Once completed, the sculptures are also sprayed with a very thin mixture of water and biodegradable glue to protect the very fine details from the wind, which helps preserve the sculptures through the end of the exhibit.

Last year’s event attracted 140,000 visitors, and Gowdy expects to hit half a million this year.

“I tell people, there is no better family-oriented event than a sand sculpture contest,” Gowdy said. “Just listen to the crowd: You’ll see a 2-year-old saying ‘Mommy, look at this,’ and a 102-year-old looking at a sculpture. Sand sculptures, for some reason, are something all age groups can enjoy. … You’re going to see some incredible works of art here in Atlantic City, and I can’t put it any more clear than that.”

The DO/AC World Cup of Sand Sculpting will be held June 19 through July 6, between Steel Pier and Landsharks in Atlantic City. Gates open June 19 at noon with a ceremony led by the mayor. After June 19, the gates are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day through July 6. The event is free. Find out more at worldchampionshipofsandsculpting.com.